Movies

Fraudster Anna Delvey needed OK from ICE before taking moves, ankle monitor to ‘DWTS’

BBG News

As a long-time follower of “Dancing with the Stars” and someone who has always been intrigued by tales of human resilience and redemption, I must say that this season’s lineup has certainly piqued my interest like never before. The inclusion of Anna Delvey, a figure whose life story is as captivating as it is enigmatic, adds an unexpected twist to the competition.

Anna Delvey, who was previously convicted as a con artist, shares that her path to this season’s “Dancing With the Stars” involved an additional hurdle.

The fraudster fashionista, who inspired Netflix’s “Inventing Anna” series and was convicted in 2019 of eight felony counts including grand larceny, said she sought approval from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement before traveling from New York to Los Angeles to shoot the long-running ABC celebrity competition show. Delvey (born Anna Sorokin) will be among the 13 stars vying for the latest Mirror Ball trophy when “DWTS” returns later this month.

Delvey admitted to the Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, just after her role was revealed, that she was persuaded into taking this task. She secured approval from ICE and found herself in a situation where it was difficult to retract her decision.

33-year-old Delvey got out of prison in February 2021 and was subsequently detained by ICE in the following months due to allegations that she had overstayed her visa, necessitating her return to Germany. In October 2022, a judge decided that Delvey could remain under house arrest while she pursues her deportation case. Additionally, Delvey was instructed to wear an ankle monitor.

Now, the monitor is Delvey’s ballroom accessory.

When “Dancing With the Stars” revealed its complete lineup, it labeled Delvey as a “well-known ankle bracelet enthusiast who flaunts fashion” in a press statement, and she will dance with pro partner Ezra Sosa. In her cast photo for “DWTS”, Delvey is seen wearing a gold sequined gown and ballroom shoes, with her ankle monitor noticeably positioned above her right foot.

When queried about whether the ankle monitor might impede her movements, Delvey told THR it’s surprisingly lightweight.

Before making her “DWTS” premiere, Delvey encountered criticism on social media regarding her selection. Some “DWTS” enthusiasts on a dedicated Reddit page challenged her stardom, citing her swindling of approximately $275,000 from people and businesses. Other fans humorously commented, “this is legendary.

On the latest episode of “The View,” Delvey’s portrayal sparked discussions among hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, Joy Behar, and Sara Haines, as they each offered their thoughts on the subject.

In simpler terms, Goldberg was expressing that it brings to mind many families who’ve had loved ones detained by ICE. These families have turned to the courts in an attempt to reunite their family, whether it be their father, brother, or mother. This woman was allowed to carry out a specific task, but now, Goldberg wonders if there might be a two-tiered system at play with ICE, suggesting potential favoritism or different treatment.

Hostin added: “I like a come-up but when are there consequences to people’s actions?”

Amid the backlash, Delvey told People, “it’s just not that serious.”

If someone is so bothered by the casting decisions on a dance show, I’m at a loss for words to comfort them. (She added this.)

Celebrities such as Ilona Maher, Stephen Nedoroscik from the Olympics, “Bachelorette” star Jenn Tran, NBA legend Dwight Howard, Tori Spelling, and Phaedra Parks have recently joined the ranks of famous contestants on the dance floor.

This coming September 17th, “Dancing With the Stars,” which is jointly hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, will make its return for its 33rd season on ABC.

Read More

2024-09-07 14:14

Previous post Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan pregnant with first child as she debuts baby bump
Next post Coleen Nolan is forced to hit back at fan claims she ‘left out’ co-stars from her Loose Women 25th anniversary tribute